Redlining and Portland’s Jewish Community

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
1:00-2:00 pm
Location: Online via Zoom

Jews, like members of Portland’s Black, Irish, Italian, and Polish communities, were systematically marginalized by the city’s Yankee elites during the first half of the 20th century. The strategies that Jews used to overcome that discrimination, however, often differed from those favored within other marginalized communities. The legacy of these efforts remains visible to this day.

Join David Freidenreich as he takes us on a virtual history of Portland’s Jewish community, including the impact of redlining—a discriminatory practice in the 1930s, even here in Portland. Banks and government agencies denied mortgages, loans, and insurance to residents of predominantly minority neighborhoods—literally outlined in red on maps—systematically blocking those communities from building generational wealth through homeownership.

MEET OUR SPEAKER

Rabbi Dr. David Freidenreich is the Pulver Family Professor of Jewish Studies at Colby College and the Historian-in-Residence at the Maine Jewish Museum.

EVENT DETAILS:

Fee: FREE admission but registration is required. Donations greatly appreciated and will help us offer more free and low-cost programming.

Details: This is an online only program. Zoom link sent in confirmation email. Recording link will be sent after the event.

Please email Aimée Keithan or call 207.358.7064 with questions!

Register Here